How to uninstall SystemSpot adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove SystemSpot from Mac computers
What is SystemSpot?
SystemSpot is classified as adware and a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Although it is promoted as providing fast searches, improved search results, etc., this app actually diminishes the browsing experience. SystemSpot adware delivers intrusive advertisements, which affect browsing and have harmful capabilities. Its classification as a PUA is due to the application's dubious proliferation techniques. I.e., most users download/install this PUA unintentionally. Furthermore, most of these unwanted applications (including adware) can track browsing-related data.
SystemSpot displays a wide variety of intrusive ads such as pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons and many others. Ads of this type significantly diminish the browsing experience. They limit browsing speed and website visibility (by overlaying page content), however, they are far more than just a nuisance - these ads are also classed as a threat to device/user safety. Once an intrusive advertisement is clicked, it often redirects to sale-based, untrusted, rogue, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious web pages. Furthermore, when triggered (i.e., clicked) the ads can execute scripts, designed to download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs) without users' permission. Most adware-type apps have data tracking capabilities. They can record users' browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information derived from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The data, which is likely to contain highly sensitive information, can then be shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) seeking to misuse it for financial gain. To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on systems can cause various infiltration and infections, result in serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. Therefore, you are advised to eliminate all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by SystemSpot |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), AVG (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Didnarbois.A), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Script.SearchExt.gen), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
CentralRush, SystemNotes and BenefitSites are some examples of other adware infections. As mentioned, PUAs can infiltrate devices without users' knowledge, however, they often seem legitimate and arouse no immediate suspicion. Since they are advertised as "useful" software with a broad range of "useful" features, they can trick users into downloading/installing, however, the features rarely work as promised and, in most cases, are nonoperational. Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs can cause serious issues. Unwanted applications deliver intrusive ad campaigns, force-open untrusted and malicious sites, hijack browsers and track private data.
How did SystemSpot install on my computer?
PUAs are often downloaded/installed with other products through "bundling", a deceptive marketing tactic of packing unwanted or malicious software together with regular apps. By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. skimming or ignoring terms, skipping steps, using presets, etc.), many users endanger devices with potential infiltration and infections. Some PUAs have "official" promotional web pages from which they can be downloaded. Intrusive ads also proliferate these applications - when clicked, they can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all products, before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels, as opposed to free file hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks or other third party downloaders, since these can offer dubious/malicious content disguised or bundled with normal software. Treat download/installation processes with caution. Read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and so on. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate and innocuous, however, they can redirect to rogue web pages (e.g. pornography, gambling, adult-dating and many others). If you encounter these advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with SystemSpot, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SystemSpot installation is complete:
Screenshot of SystemSpot adware installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is SystemSpot?
- STEP 1. Remove SystemSpot related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SystemSpot ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SystemSpot adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SystemSpot ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SystemSpot adware using Combo Cleaner:
SystemSpot adware removal:
Remove SystemSpot-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove ads by systemspot related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Ads by SystemSpot removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by systemspot related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by systemspot related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by systemspot related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!